The Effect of a Psychotherapy Protocol on Dream Awareness in Adults With Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effect of an Affective and Sensory Psychotherapy Protocol (ASPP) on dream awareness in adults with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). For this purpose, 60 self-referred male and female adults were studied within a randomized clinical trial. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale and the Mannheim Dream Questionnaire were used at baseline, posttreatment, and 3-month follow-up. No significant difference was observed between patients in the experimental and control groups at baseline. Findings showed that patients in the experimental group had a significant increase in dream recall, attitude toward dreams, and the total dream score than individuals in the control group. However, no sex difference was observed in the results for within-subject and between-group effects in the current study. The present research supported the influence of an ASPP on dream awareness in adults with GAD.